Russian model Anastasia Kostromina has become an internet sensation after a video showcasing her remarkable resemblance to Norwegian football star Erling Haaland amassed millions of views and likes on social media. Kostromina, 24, said friends and family had been telling her for years that she looked like the Manchester City striker. However, it was only after Haaland’s standout performances at the FIFA World Cup that she decided to share the comparison online. Earlier this month, she posted a video on Instagram recreating Haaland’s signature facial expressions and mannerisms while highlighting their similar appearance. The clip quickly went viral, attracting more than 6.4 million likes. “At first, I didn’t even know what was happening. It felt like a dream,” Kostromina told AFP in Moscow, adding that she had never imagined the video would receive such a massive response. The model admitted she initially found the comparison surprising because Haaland is a male footballer, but said she has since embraced it with a sense of humour. “At first, I couldn’t understand how I could resemble a male football player. Now I just laugh about it and I’m completely comfortable with it,” she said. Haaland, 25, emerged as one of the biggest stars of the World Cup, scoring seven goals, including a brace against Brazil in the Round of 16, as Norway reached the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-1 defeat to England. Kostromina said she passionately supported Norway throughout the tournament and was disappointed by the team’s elimination. “I was cheering for them and was on the edge of my seat during their final match,” she said. Russia did not participate in the tournament due to its continued suspension from most international sporting competitions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.